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Mission Statement

Latitude's initiative to map accessible businesses in the greater downtown area of Lexington and to educate and acknowledge businesses for accessibility.

Description

The first phase of the project began with designing an educational brochure that covers accessibility and ADA standards and doubles as a returnable survey to gauge a business’ level of accessibility with the help of the Latitude Artist Community, an art studio for adults with disabilities. With the support of Lexington's Division of Aging and Disability Support, we printed the brochures. The project was successfully launched on November 7th as we reached out to the community and asked for their help to distribute our brochures to local business owners. Business owners can also help us by putting brochures out for their customers to share.

In the second phase, as pre-addressed surveys are returned to Latitude, we will create a map and a mobile app of the accessible businesses in the greater downtown area. We also plan to design decals to place in the windows of participating businesses to denote which aspects of accessibility a business embraces. For example, does a business allow non-customers to use their handicap accessible plugs to charge a battery powered wheelchair? Or can an elderly person use the bathroom without having to buy food? Are the doors and aisles wide enough for even the widest of wheelchairs to navigate through? With the use of our surveys, we will be working to identify businesses that embrace inclusion.

Our third phase is the creation and distribution of a map designating accessible businesses, a mobile app that allows crowd-sourcing, and easily recognizable window decals so our community members know what to expect of a business’ ability to meet their accessibility needs.

Additionally, if you know of any designers who would be willing to donate time, businesses who would be willing to donate incentives, or supporters who are inspired by Points of Accessibility and have ideas to share.

You can email pointsofaccessibility@gmail.com. Or contact Latitude Artist Community at 859-806-0195.